Severe weather over for Coast

THE Sunshine Coast was lashed with torrential rain, hailstones and damaging winds this afternoon and now it appears the worst is over.

A warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology at 5.48pm on Thursday, December 16, 2010 for people in the Sunshine Coast, Lockyer Valley, Gympie, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Southern Downs areas states the thunderstorms are moving northeast and are forecast to affect Toowoomba, Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, Wide Bay, Inskip and Inskip Point by 6.25pm.

This afternoon the Sunshine Coast was hit by two storms resulting in heavy rainfall, hailstones, damaging winds and localised flooding.

In a couple of hours winds of 90km/hr were observed and more than 11mm of rain fell in the Noosa area and more than 8mm in the Caloundra, Maroochydore and Coolum areas.

In total Maroochydore received more than 70mm of rain in the past eight hours and Noosa 20mm.

Emergency Management Queensland assistant director-general Bruce Grady reminded residents of the dangers of being caught in severe weather and to take the appropriate steps to ensure they are prepared.

“Storm and cyclone season is well and truly here and it is vital people listen closely to warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and act on the advice given by emergency authorities by securing loose outdoor items, moving cars under cover or away from trees, seek shelter and beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

"Floodwaters have already claimed five innocent lives this year and the worst of the flood and cyclone season is still set to hit the State,” he said.

“Think about the consequences of your actions and don’t risk your life or the lives of others. Stay well away from flooded creeks and causeways; the currents are deceptive and the dangers are hidden beneath the surface.

“With school holidays underway parents must also keep a close eye on their kids around flooded areas as well as creeks, drains and rivers. Children may think playing in bodies of water is fun but it is deadly. Recently young lives have been lost from kids undertaking this sort of activity,” Mr Grady said.

An Emergency Management Queensland spokesperson said what you can do when a severe storm approaches is listen to a local radio station for advice and warning, disconnect electrical items and park vehicles under cover.

When the storm strikes the EMQ spokesperson said to stay inside, do not use the telephone and stay listening to the radio.

"What can you do when a severe storm strikes is listen to your portable radio for severe storm updates, stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and skylights, if the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part such as cellar, internal room, hallway or built-in wardrobe under a mattress, doona or a strong table or bench, don’t use a fixed telephone during a severe storm due to lightning danger, if outdoors, seek solid enclosed shelter and if driving, stop clear of trees, power lines and streams."

The EMQ spokesperson said when the storm hits there are several things you can do.

"Listen to your local radio station for official advices and warnings, check for structural property damage and cover with plastic sheeting and nailed on wood strips, for emergency assistance refer to your emergency phone numbers or contact council, beware of fallen powerlines and trees, damaged buildings and flooded watercourses and don’t go sight-seeing."